Manager, Application Development at Direct Energy

This position is responsible for managing the performance of a team of technical staff in an assigned function(s) of application support and development. The incumbent works to ensure that resources are in place to identify and provide business application systems in support of assigned function(s).

Sets a framework for the provision and support of solutions covering areas such as resourcing, program and project management, development standards, etc.

Responsible for overseeing the effective use of strategic processes as they pertain to this group

Identifies individual and organizational developmental needs/career goals and ensures developmental efforts are put in place to support them

The Good
It’s a senior role at a big company, and the energy sector is likely to do well, with ups and downs, for years and years to come, given the fact that there are only so many fossil fuels, and we’ve got a strong desire to use ’em. Direct Energy seems to be owned by Centrica PLC, with a $14B market cap. There’s a reference to Agile, but it’s just a reference.

The BadThe role is described in a very matter-of-fact “these are the skills we want” sort of way, without any attempt to convince you of the value of working at Direct Energy. That’s not always a bad thing, but it’s lacking in points of interest.

What’s Missing?
Where’s this located? What’s the compensation like for a manager at direct energy? What applications does Direct Energy develop, other than the billing application? How many teams are there, what size and composition? What are the details of their technology choices, and what’s the Java / .NET Platform mix like for them?

YMMV
Your mileage may vary when it comes to the Java / .NET mix — some people know the one and not the other, and would like to stay that way. It may also vary when it comes to working for Direct Energy. Personally, I’d have a hard time taking a role at Direct Energy, because the sales tactics at the street level in my neighbourhood by lots of individual employees have been, what I would call … misleading at best, if not close to fraudulent, and very, very aggressive. I don’t know that they’re employed directly by Direct Energy, and I don’t know whether or not that culture goes deeper than the sales organization, but I am personally very wary of them as an organization at this point. That said, many of you may have no history with Direct Energy or positive experiences, so don’t let my bias ruin your chance at getting a job.